Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Study Spring Summer 2007

Transcription

1 Social Science Program National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Visitor Services Project Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Study Spring Summer 2007 Park Studies Unit Visitor Services Project Report 187

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3 Social Science Program National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Visitor Services Project Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Study Spring - Summer 2007 Park Studies Unit Visitor Services Project Report 187 February 2008 Nancy Holmes Douglas Eury Steven J. Hollenhorst Nancy Holmes is a Research Assistant, Dr. Douglas Eury is a Park Planning and Management Consultant, Dr. Hollenhorst is the Director of the Park Studies Unit, Department of Conservation Social Sciences, University of Idaho. We thank Eleonora Papadogiannaki and the staff of Lava Beds National Monument for assisting with the survey, and David Vollmer for his technical assistance. The study was partially funded by the Recreation Demonstration Fee Program.

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5 Lava Beds National Monument VSP Visitor Study May 25 - June 8, 2007 Visitor Services Project Lava Beds National Monument Report Summary This report describes the results of a visitor study at Lava Beds National Monument during May 25 - June 8, A total of 340 questionnaires were distributed to visitor groups. Of those, 223 questionnaires were returned resulting in a 65.6% response rate. This report profiles a systematic random sample of Lava Beds National Monument. Most results are presented in graphs and frequency tables. Summaries of visitor comments are included in the report and complete comments are included in the Visitor Comments Appendix. Fifty-one percent of visitor groups were in groups of two and 16% were in groups of five or more. Sixty-six percent of visitor groups were in family groups. United States visitors were from California (47%), Oregon (26%), Washington, (8%) and 18 other states. International visitors, comprising 9% of the total visitation, were from Germany (13%), United Kingdom (8%), and 11 other countries. Forty-eight percent of visitors were ages years and 35% were ages 30 years or younger. Seventy-three percent of visitors visited the park once in their lifetime. Prior to this visit, visitor groups most often obtained information about Lava Beds National Monument through maps and brochures (44%), the park website (41%), and friends/relatives/word of mouth (34%). Nine percent of visitor groups did not obtain any information about the park prior to their visit. Of those visitor groups who spent less than 24 hours at the park, 33% percent stayed up to six hours. Of those that spent more than 24 hours in the park, 41% stayed for two days. The average length of stay was 14.4 hours. Regarding lodging that visitor groups used during their stay, 82% stayed in a campground or RV trailer park inside the park, and 71% stayed in a lodge, hotel, motel, or cabin outside the park. Most visitor groups (95%) were able to obtain needed support services from communities in the area (with 60 miles of the park). Over one-half (60%) obtained services in Klamath Falls. Regarding use, importance, and quality of visitor services and facilities, it is to note the number of visitor groups that responded to each question. The most used services/facilities included restrooms (91%), the visitor center (91%), and the park brochure/map (90%). The services/facilities that received the highest combined proportions of extremely and very ratings included campgrounds (92%, N=41) and restrooms (90%, N=179). The services/facilities that received the highest combined proportions of very good and good quality ratings were assistance from park staff (93%, N=134) and the visitor center (93% N=174). The average group expenditure within and outside the park (within 60 miles of the park) was $206, with a median (50% paid more and 50% paid less) of $113. Average total expenditure per person was $71. Most visitor groups (93%) rated the overall quality of services, facilities, and recreational opportunities at Lava Beds National Monument as very good or good. Less than 1% of visitor groups rated the overall quality as very poor or poor. For more information about the Visitor Services Project, please contact the Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho at (208) or the following website

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7 Lava Beds National Monument VSP Visitor Study May 25 - June 8, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...1 Organization of the report... 1 Presentation of the results... 2 METHODS... 3 Survey Design... 3 Sample size and sampling plan... 3 Questionnaire design... 3 Survey procedure... 3 Data Analysis... 4 Limitations... 4 Special Conditions... 4 Checking Non-response Bias... 5 RESULTS... 6 Demographics... 6 Visitor group size... 6 Visitor group type... 6 Visitors with organized groups... 7 United States visitors by state of residence... 8 International visitors by country of residence... 9 Number of visits to the park Visitor age Visitor gender Visitor level of education...12 Preferred languages for speaking and reading Services preferred in other languages Visitors with physical conditions/impairments Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences Information sources prior to visit Information sources for future visit Length of visit Reasons to stay longer Primary reason for visit Sites visited in the area Places stayed on night before arrival at Lava Beds NM Places stayed on night after departure from Lava Beds NM Overnight stay Overnight accommodations Community support services Number of park entries Number of vehicles Adequacy of directional signs Activities Sites visited Reasons for visiting the visitor center Attendance of ranger-led activities/programs Topics learned Ratings of Visitor Services, Facilities, Elements, Attributes and Resources Visitor services and facilities used Importance ratings of visitor services and facilities Quality ratings of visitor services and facilities Mean scores of importance and quality ratings What visitors liked most/least about visitor center exhibits What visitors liked most/least about outdoor exhibits Entrance fees... 62

8 Lava Beds National Monument VSP Visitor Study May 25 - June 8, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Importance of protecting of park attributes/resources/experiences Expenditures Total expenditures inside and outside Lava Beds NM Number of adults covered by expenditures Number of children covered by expenditures Expenditures inside the park Expenditures outside the park Overall quality rating of visitor services/facilities Visitor Comments What visitors liked most...76 What visitors liked least Planning for the future Additional comments APPENDICES Appendix 1: The Questionnaire Appendix 2: Additional Analysis Appendix 3: Decision Rules for Checking Non-response Bias Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications Visitor Comments Appendix... 91

9 INTRODUCTION This report describes the results of a visitor study at Lava Beds NM during May 25 June 8, 2007 by the National Park Service (NPS) Visitor Services Project (VSP), part of the Park Studies Unit (PSU) at the University of Idaho. Organization of the report The report is organized into three sections. Section 1: Methods. This section discusses the procedures, limitations, and special conditions that may affect the results of the study. Section 2:. This section provides summary information for each question in the questionnaire and includes a summary of visitor comments. The presentation of the results of this study does not follow the same order of questions in the questionnaire. Section 3: Appendices Appendix 1: The Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire distributed to groups. Appendix 2: Additional Analysis. A list of options for cross-references and cross comparisons. These comparisons can be analyzed within park or between parks. of additional analyses are not included in this report as they may only be requested after the results of this study have been published. Appendix 3: Decision rules for checking non-response bias. An explanation of how the non-response bias was determined. Appendix 4: Visitor Services Project Publications. A complete list of publications by the PSU. Copies of these reports can be obtained by visiting the website: or contacting the PSU office at (208) Visitor Comments Appendix: A separate appendix provides visitor responses to open-ended questions. It is bound separately from this report due to its size. 1

10 Presentation of the results are represented in the form of graphs (see example below), scatter plots, pie charts, tables, or text. SAMPLE ONLY 1: The figure title describes the graph's information. 2: Listed above the graph, the N shows the number of individuals or visitor groups responding to the question. If N is less than 30, CAUTION! is shown on the graph to indicate the results may be unreliable. * appears when total percentages do not equal 100 due to rounding. ** appears when total percentages do not equal 100 because visitors could select more than one answer choice. 3: Vertical information describes the response categories. 4: Horizontal information shows the number or proportions of responses in each category. 5: In most graphs, percentages provide additional information. 3 Number of visits 1 5 or more N=537 visitor groups 3% 8% 7% 2 12% 70% Figure 14: Number of visits to park in past 12 months 5 4 2

11 METHODS Survey Design Sample size and sampling plan All VSP questionnaires follow design principles outlined in Don A. Dillman's book Mail and Internet Surveys: The Tailored Design Method (2000). Using this methodology, the sample size was calculated based on park visitation statistics of previous years. Brief interviews were conducted with a systematic, random sample of visitor groups that arrived at Lava Beds National Monument during May 25 June 8, During this survey, 354 visitor groups were contacted and 340 of these groups (98.8%) accepted questionnaires. Table 1 presents the locations and numbers of questionnaires distributed at each location. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 223 visitor groups resulting in a 65.6% response rate for this study. Table 1: Questionnaire distribution locations N=number of questionnaires distributed Sampling site N Percent of total Gillems Camp Visitor Center Total Questionnaire design The Lava Beds National Monument questionnaire was developed at a workshop held with park staff to design and prioritize the questions. Some of the questions were comparable with VSP studies conducted at other parks while others were customized for Lava Beds National Monument. Many questions asked visitors to choose answers from a list of responses, often with an open-ended option, while others were completely open-ended. No pilot study was conducted to test the Lava Beds National Monument questionnaire. However, all questions followed OMB guidelines and/or were used in previous surveys. Thus, the clarity and consistency of the survey instrument have been tested and supported. Survey procedure Visitor groups were greeted, briefly introduced to the purpose of the study, and asked to participate. If visitors agreed, they were asked which member (at least 16 years of age) had the next birthday. The individual with the next birthday was selected to complete the questionnaire for the group. An interview, lasting approximately two minutes, was conducted with that person to determine group size, group type, and the age of the member completing the questionnaire. These individuals were asked for their names, 3

12 addresses, and telephone numbers in order to mail them a reminder/thank you postcard and follow-ups. Visitors were asked to complete the survey after their visit, and return the questionnaire by mail. The questionnaires were pre-addressed and affixed with a U.S. first class postage stamp. Two weeks following the survey, a reminder/thank you postcard was mailed to all participants. Replacement questionnaires were mailed to participants who had not returned their questionnaires four weeks after the survey. Seven weeks after the survey, a second round of replacement questionnaires was mailed to visitors who had not returned their questionnaires. Data Analysis Returned questionnaires were coded and the information was entered into a computer using custom and standard statistical software applications Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and a custom designed FileMaker Pro application. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were calculated for the coded data and responses to open-ended questions were categorized and summarized. The data were entered twice by two independent data entry staff and validated by a third staff member. Limitations Like all surveys, this study has limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. 1. This was a self-administered survey. Respondents completed the questionnaire after the visit, which may have resulted in poor recall. Thus, it is not possible to know whether visitor responses reflected actual behavior. 2. The data reflect visitor use patterns to the selected sites during the study period of May 25 June 8, The results present a snapshot-in-time and do not necessarily apply to visitors during other times of the year. 3. Caution is advised when interpreting any data with a sample size of less than 30, as the results may be unreliable. Whenever the sample size is less than 30, the word "CAUTION!" is included in the graph, figure, table, or text. 4. Occasionally, there may be inconsistencies in the results. Inconsistencies arise from missing data or incorrect answers (due to misunderstood directions, carelessness, or poor recall of information). Therefore, refer to both the percentage and N (number of individuals or visitor groups) when interpreting the results. Special Conditions June. The weather was mostly warm and sunny. This was typical weather for the area during May and 4

13 Checking Non-response Bias The three variables used to check non-response bias were group type, age of the group member who actually completed the questionnaire, and group size. Table 2 shows insignificant differences between group types. As shown in Table 3, there are significant differences between respondent and non-respondent ages and insignificant differences between respondent and non-respondent group sizes. See Appendix 3 for more details of the non-response bias checking procedure. Group type Table 2: Comparison of respondents and non-respondents group type Respondents Total distributed Expected value Alone Family Friends Family and friends Other Total Chi-square = df = 4 p-value = Table 3: Comparison of respondents and non-respondents age and group size Respondent Non-respondent p-value Variable N Average N Average (t-test) Group size Age <0.001 Two out of three tests show insignificant differences between respondents and non-respondents. In addition, a five-year difference in average age in most mail surveys is an expected trend (see Appendix 3). Therefore, the response bias is judged to be insignificant. The data is a good representation of a larger Lava Beds NM visitor population for the duration of the survey period. 5

14 RESULTS Demographics Visitor group size Question 23a On this visit, how many people were in your personal group, including yourself? 5 or more N=211 visitor groups 16% 51% of visitors were in groups of two (see Figure 1). 4 12% 24% were in groups of three of four. 16% were in groups of five or more. Number of people % 51% 1 9% Figure 1: Visitor group size Visitor group type Question 22 On this visit, what kind of personal group (not guided tour/school/other organized group) were you with? Family N=198 visitor groups* 66% 66% of visitor groups were made up of family members (see Figure 2). 18% were with friends. 10% were alone. Group type Friends Alone Family and friends 10% 7% 18% Figure 2: Visitor group type

15 Visitors with organized groups Question 21a On this visit, were you and your personal group with a commercial guided tour group? 1% of visitor groups were with a commercial guided tour group (see Commercial group? Figure 3) Yes No N=206 visitor groups 1% 99% Figure 3: Visitors with a commercial guided tour group Question 21b On this visit, were you and your personal group with a school/educational group? 3% of visitor groups were with a school/educational group (see Figure 4). Educational group? Yes No N=207 visitor groups 3% 97% Figure 4: Visitors with a school/educational group Question 21c On this visit, were you and your personal group with an other organized group (business, scout group, etc.)? 3% of visitor groups were traveling with an other organized group (see Other organized group? Figure 5) Yes No N=207 visitor groups 3% 97% Figure 5: Visitors traveling with an other organized group 7

16 United States visitors by state of residence Question 24c For you and your personal group what is your state of residence? Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. U.S. visitors were from 21 states and comprised 91% of total visitation to the park during the survey period. 47% of U.S. visitors came from California (see Table 4 and Map 1). 26% came from Oregon and 8% came from Washington. The remaining U.S. visitors came from 18 other states. Table 4: United States visitors by state of residence* State Number of visitors Percent of U.S. visitors N=512 individuals Percent of total visitors N=565 individuals California Oregon Washington Nevada Arizona Texas Florida Pennsylvania Missouri New York Idaho Colorado Illinois Maryland Minnesota Indiana 2 <1 <1 Nebraska 2 <1 <1 Utah 2 <1 <1 Virginia 2 <1 <1 Wisconsin 2 <1 <1 North Carolina 1 <1 <1 Map 1: Proportions of United States visitors by state of residence 8

17 International visitors by country of residence Question 24c For you and your personal group, what is your country of residence? Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. International visitors were from 13 countries and comprised 9% of total visitation to the park during the survey period. 25% of international visitors came from Germany (see Table 5). 15% came from the United Kingdom and 11% from the Czech Republic. Smaller portions came from 10 other countries Table 5: International visitors by country of residence * Country Number of visitors Percent of international visitors N=53 individuals Percent of total visitors N=565 individuals Germany United Kingdom Czech Republic Canada 5 9 <1 India 4 8 <1 Singapore 4 8 <1 Australia 2 4 <1 Austria 2 4 <1 China 2 4 <1 France 2 4 <1 Ireland 2 4 <1 Netherlands 2 4 <1 Italy 1 2 <1 9

18 Number of visits to the park Question 24d For you and your personal group, how many times have you visited Lava Beds NM (including this visit)? Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. 73% of visitors visited the park once in their lifetime (see Figure 6). 37% visited two or more times. Number of visits 5 or more N=608 individuals 2% 4% 10% 11% % Figure 6: Number of visits to park 10

19 Visitor age Question 24b For you and your personal group, what is your current age? Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. Visitor ages ranged from 1 to 95 years (see Figure 7). N=591 individuals 76 or older 1% % % % % % 34% of visitors were aged years. 28% were in the years age group. 17% were 15 years or younger. Age group (years) % 7% 7% 6% % % % % 10 or younger 12% Figure 7: Visitor age

20 Visitor gender Question 24a For you and your personal group, what is your gender? 51% of visitors were male (see Figure 8). 49% were female. Gender Male Female N=611 individuals 51% 49% Figure 8: Respondent gender Visitor level of education Question 26 For you and each member (age 16 or over) in your personal group on this visit, please indicate the highest level of education completed. Note: Response was limited to seven members from each visitor group. 32% of visitors had a bachelor s degree (see Figure 9). 30% completed a graduate degree. 23% attended some college. Level of education Graduate degree Bachelor's degree Some college High school diploma/ GED Some high school N=512 individuals 4% 11% 23% 30% 32% Figure 9: Visitor level of education 12

21 Preferred languages for speaking and reading Question 25a When visiting an area such as Lava Beds NM, what one language do you and most members of your group prefer to use for speaking? (openended) Most visitor groups preferred to speak English (see Table 6). Table 6: Preferred language for speaking N=213 visitor groups Number of times Language mentioned English 203 German 4 Chinese 3 French 1 Hebrew 1 Japanese 1 Question 25a When visiting an area such as Lava Beds NM, what one language do you and most members of your group prefer to use for reading? (openended) Most visitor groups preferred to read English (see Table 7). Table 7: Preferred language for reading N=211 visitor groups Number of times Language mentioned English 204 German 4 Chinese 2 French 1 13

22 Services preferred in other languages Question 25b What services in the park would you like to have provided in languages other than English? (open-ended) Most visitor groups preferred to have services provided in English (see Table 8). Table 8: Preferred services N=11 comments Number of times Service mentioned Exhibits 2 Park brochures 2 All services bilingual 1 Directional signs 1 Enough to accommodate 1 General information 1 Interpretive signs 1 Maps 1 Outdoor exhibits 1 Visitor center 1 Question 25c Which language, other than English, would you like services to be provided in (open-ended)? Most visitor groups preferred to have services provided in Spanish (see Table 9). Table 9: Preferred language N=17 visitor groups; some visitor groups listed more than one language. Number of times Language mentioned Spanish 9 German 6 Chinese 3 French 2 Japanese 2 Mandarin 2 Modoc Indian 1 Icelandic 1 Native American 1 None 1 14

23 Visitors with physical conditions/impairments Question 27a Does anyone in your group have a physical condition that made it difficult to access or participate in park activities or services? 13% of visitor groups had members with physical conditions that made access difficult (see Figure 10). Physical condition? Yes No N=218 visitor groups 13% 87% Figure 10: Visitors with physical conditions Question 27b If YES, on this visit, what activities or services did the person(s) have difficulty accessing or participating in? - Interpret with CAUTION Not enough groups responded to this question to provide reliable data (see Figure 11). Activity/ service Caves Trails Ranger-led programs Visitor center Restrooms N=28 visitor groups** 7% 4% 18% 61% 75% Visitor center exhibits Campgrounds Other 4% 0% 4% CAUTION! Figure 11: Activities/services difficult to participate in/access 15

24 Question 27c Because of the physical condition, what specific problems did the person(s) have? Mobility N=26 visitor groups** 69% - Interpret with CAUTION Not enough groups responded to this question to provide reliable data (see Figure 12). Disability/ impairment Visual Hearing Other 4% 4% 27% CAUTION! Figure 12: Type of disability/impairment 16

25 Information sources prior to visit Trip/Visit Characteristics and Preferences Question 1a Prior to your visit, how did you and your group obtain information about Lava Beds NM? Obtain prior information? N=222 visitor groups Yes No 9% 91% 91% of visitor groups did obtain information about Lava Beds NM prior to their visit (see Figure 13). As shown in Figure 14, of those visitor groups who obtained information about Lava Beds NM prior to their visit (91%), the most common sources were: Figure 13: Visitors who obtained information about Lava Beds NM prior to visit 44% Maps/brochures 41% Lava Beds NM website 34% Friends/relatives/word of mouth 32% Previous visit Other sources (8%) included: Maps/brochures Lava Beds NM website Friends/relatives/ word of mouth N=200 visitor groups** 34% 41% 44% Road signs "Devil's Backbone" (novel) Resident California road map Green Tortoise Bus Company Klamath Falls Visitor Center Local business National Speleological Society Source of information Previous visits Travel guides/ tour books Other websites Local hotel or other business Newspaper/magazine 11% 8% 6% 27% 32% /telephone/ written inquiry 4% Television/radio/ videos 2% Chamber of Commerce 1% State welcome center 1% Other 8% Figure 14: Sources of information used by visitors prior to visit. 17

26 Question 1c From the sources you used prior to this visit, did you and your group receive the type of information about the park that you needed? 87% of visitor groups received the needed information prior to their visit (see Figure 15). Received needed information? Yes No N=208 visitor groups 13% 87% Figure 15: Visitors who received needed information prior to their visit Question 1d If NO, what type of park information did you and your group need that was not available? Additional information that visitor groups (N=28) needed included: More specific information about caves/trails More information (general) Cave exploration safety/preparedness Which entrance to use for help/information Road information Better signage Food availability Information on Captain Jack's Stronghold Weather information Website hard to find 18

27 Information sources for future visit Question 1b Prior to a future visit, how would you and your group prefer to obtain information about Lava Beds NM? As shown in Figure 16, the most common source of information preferred for a future visit was the park website (77%). Lava Beds NM website Previous visits Maps/brochures Travel guides/ tour books Other websites N=135 visitor groups** 14% 21% 33% 30% 77% 33% of visitor groups preferred to obtain information from previous visits. 30% of visitor groups preferred to obtain information from maps/ brochures. Other sources of information (5%) included: Source of information Friends/relatives/ word of mouth /telephone/ written inquiry State welcome center Newspaper/magazine Local hotel or other business 13% 8% 7% 7% 5% Camp site brochures Cave Research Foundation NPS booklet Road signs Chamber of Commerce Television/radio/ videos Other 3% 1% 5% Figure 16: Sources of information preferred for a future visit 19

28 Length of visit Question 9 On this visit to Lava Beds NM, how long did you and your group spend visiting the park? 6 or more N=169 visitor groups 33% Number of hours if less than 24 33% of visitor groups spent six or more hours visiting Lava Beds NM (see Figure 17). 21% spent four hours. 15% spent three hours. Number of hours or less 12% 21% 15% 10% 9% Figure 17: Number of hours spent visiting the park Number of days if more than 24 hours 41% of visitor groups spent two days at Lava Beds NM (see Figure 18). N=39 visitor groups 4 8% 36% spent three days. 15% spent one day. Number of days % 41% 1 15% Figure 18: Number of days spent visiting the park 20

29 Reasons to stay longer Question 14 What would make you and your group stay longer than you did in the Lava Beds NM area? 78% of visitor groups (N=175) responded to this question. Table 10 shows the reasons visitors listed. Table 10: Reasons that would make visitors stay longer N=193 visitor comments; some visitors made more than one comment. Number of times Reason mentioned Needed more time 59 Nothing 14 Better planning 12 Lodging 11 Availability of showers 10 Better weather conditions 8 Food services 5 Greater variety of activities 5 More information available 4 RV places with hook ups 4 Shaded rest areas 4 Camping facilities 4 Being in better physical condition 3 Support services 2 Age 2 Carpool tour of the area 2 Caves 2 Lodging arrangements 2 More accessible activities for kids 2 More attractions 2 More hiking trails 2 More information on website 2 Older children 2 Swimming pool at campground 2 Other 28 21

30 Primary reason for visit Question 2 For this trip, what was the primary reason that you and your group visited the Lava Beds NM area (within 60 miles of the park)? 54% of visitor groups visited the area primarily to visit Lava Beds NM (see Figure 19). Reason for visit Visit Lava Beds NM Travel through to other destinations Visit other attractions in the area Visit friends/relatives in the area N=193 visitor groups* 5% 14% 23% 54% 23% were traveling through to other destinations. 14% were visiting other attractions in the area. Other reasons (4%) included: Visit national parks Annual visit Campground with shower Cave Research Foundation Exploration Family trip Japanese Internment Camp Motorcycle rally Nature study Road trip Studying Modoc War Visit northeast California Wedding Business Other 1% 4% Figure 19: Primary reason for visit to the area 22

31 Sites visited in the area Question 3 On this trip, which of the following sites in the Lava Beds NM area (within 60 miles of the park) did you and your group visit? 70% of visitor groups visited sites in the area (see Figure 20). 57% of visitor groups visited Tulelake NWR (see Figure 21). 30% visited Lower Klamath NWR. Visited sites in area? Yes No N=214 visitor groups 30% Figure 20: Visitor groups who visited sites in the area 70% 24% visited Medicine Lake. 23% visited Klamath National Forest. Other sites (13%) included: Crater Lake National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park Burney Falls State Park Grass Lake Oregon Cave National Monument Redwoods National Park Shasta Caverns Sites visited Tulelake NWR Lower Klamath NWR Medicine Lake Klamath National Forest Modoc National Forest N=150 visitor groups** 24% 23% 22% 30% 57% Glass Mountain Tulelake Internment Camp 13% 11% Tulelake Museum 2% Other 13% Figure 21: Sites visited in the area 23

32 Places stayed on night before arrival at Lava Beds NM Question 6a In what town/city did you and your group stay on the night before your arrival at Lava Beds NM? If you stayed at home, please write the name of your home town. As shown in Table 11, the most common cities/towns in which visitor groups spent the night prior to their visit were: 31% Klamath Falls, OR 5% Mt. Shasta, CA Table 11: Places stayed on night before arrival at Lava Beds NM N=210 visitor groups Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Klamath Falls, OR 66 Mt Shasta, CA 11 Medford, OR 10 Redding, CA 10 Tulelake, CA 9 Crater Lake National Park, OR 5 Reno, NV 5 Ashland, OR 4 Central Point, OR 4 Malin, OR 4 McCloud, CA 4 Merrill, OR 4 Davis, CA 3 Hat Creek, CA 3 Susanville, CA 3 Weed, CA 3 Alturas, CA 2 Bend, OR 2 Burney, CA 2 Chico, CA 2 Dunsmuir, CA 2 Grants Pass, OR 2 Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA 2 Portland, OR 2 San Francisco, CA 2 San Jose, CA 2 Shasta City, CA 2 Anderson, CA 1 Arcata, CA 1 Bella Vista, CA 1 Bishop, CA 1 Brookings, OR 1 Chemult, OR 1 Chester, CA 1 Chiloquin, OR 1 Diamond Lake, OR 1 Drakesbad, CA 1 El Dorado Hills, CA 1 24

33 Table 11: Places stayed on night before arrival at Lava Beds NM (continued) Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Elma, WA 1 Fall River Mills, CA 1 Folsom, CA 1 Fort Klamath, OR 1 Gardnerville, NV 1 Goldendale, WA 1 Great Basin National Park, NV 1 Keno, OR 1 LaPine State Park, OR 1 Los Altos Hills, CA 1 Menlo Park, CA 1 Minden, NV 1 Mineral, CA 1 Oak Run, CA 1 Phoenix, OR 1 Port Orford, OR 1 Redwood National Park, CA 1 Rio Linda, CA 1 Rocklin, CA 1 Sacramento, CA 1 San Mateo, CA 1 South San Francisco, CA 1 Tionesta, CA 1 Upper Klamath, OR 1 Vacaville, CA 1 Vancouver, WA 1 Weaverville, CA 1 White City, OR 1 Yreka, CA 1 25

34 Places stayed on night after departure from Lava Beds NM Question 6b In what town/city did you and your group stay on the night after you left Lava Beds NM? If you stayed at home, please write the name of your home town. As shown in Table 12, the most common cities/towns in which visitor groups spent the night after their visit were: 25% Klamath Falls. OR 6% Crater Lake, OR Table 12: Places stayed on night after departure from Lava Beds NM N=198 visitor groups Number of times City/Town and State mentioned Klamath Falls, OR 49 Crater Lake National Park, OR 12 Reno, NV 11 Redding, CA 9 Medford, OR 8 Mt Shasta, CA 6 Tulelake, CA 6 Ashland, OR 5 Susanville, CA 5 Bend, OR 4 Chester, CA 4 Davis, CA 3 Malin, OR 3 San Francisco, CA 3 San Jose, CA 3 Alturas, CA 2 Diamond Lake, OR 2 Dorris, CA 2 Dunsmuir, CA 2 Eureka, CA 2 Fall River Mills, CA 2 Merrill, OR 2 Anderson, CA 1 Angels Camp, CA 1 Arcata, CA 1 Bella Vista, CA 1 Blue Lake, CA 1 Brookings, OR 1 Burney, CA 1 Burns, OR 1 Carson City, NV 1 Central Point, OR 1 Chico, CA 1 Chiloquin, OR 1 Collier Memorial State Park, OR 1 Colusa, CA 1 Cupertino, OR 1 Danville, CA 1 26

35 Table 12: Places stayed on night after departure from Lava Beds NM (continued) Number of times City/Town and State Mentioned El Dorado Hills, CA 1 Elma, WA 1 Folsom, CA 1 Fort Bragg, CA 1 Fort Klamath, OR 1 Grants Pass, OR 1 Hat Creek, CA 1 Keno, OR 1 Lake Tahoe, CA 1 Lee Vining, CA 1 Los Altos Hills, CA 1 Los Molinos, CA 1 Markleeville, CA 1 McCloud, CA 1 Oregon Caves National Monument, OR 1 Orland, CA 1 Paradise, CA 1 Phoenix, OR 1 Portland, OR 1 Quincy, CA 1 Redmond, OR 1 Richmond, CA 1 Roseburg, OR 1 San Mateo, CA 1 Shasta City, CA 1 South Lake Tahoe, CA 1 San Francisco, CA 1 Springfield, OR 1 Sunny Valley, OR 1 Sunriver, OR 1 Tionesta, CA 1 Weed, CA 1 White City, OR 1 Willow Creek, CA 1 Winnemucca, NV 1 Yreka, CA 1 27

36 Overnight stay Question 5a On this trip, did you and your group stay overnight away from home inside Lava Beds NM and/or in the area (within 60 miles of the park)? 55% of visitor groups stayed overnight away from home inside Lava Beds NM and/or in the area (see Figure 22). Stayed overnight? Yes No N=216 visitor groups 45% 55% Figure 22: Overnight stay away from home inside and/or in the Lava Beds NM area Question 5b If YES, please list the number of nights you and your group stayed inside Lava Beds NM. Number of nights inside the park 39% of visitor groups spent two nights inside Lava Beds NM (see Figure 23). 37% spent one night. 24% spent three or more nights. Number of nights 3 or more 2 1 N=41 visitor groups 24% 39% 37% Figure 23: Number of nights stayed inside Lava Beds NM Number of nights in the area 43% of visitor groups stayed one night in the Lava Beds NM area (see Figure 24). 36% spent two nights. 21% spent three or more nights. Number of nights 3 or more 2 1 N=76 visitor groups 21% 36% 43% Figure 24: Number of nights stayed in Lava Beds NM area 28

37 Overnight accommodations Question 5c In what type of lodging did you and your group spend the night(s) inside the park? Campground/ RV trailer park N=39 visitor groups** 82% 82% of visitor groups camped in a campground/rv trailer park (see Figure 25). Type of lodging Backcountry camping Residence of friends/relatives 0% 8% 8% camped in the backcountry. Other 5% Other types of lodging (5%) included: Research Center Figure 25: Type of lodging inside the park Question 5d In what type of lodging did you and your group spend the night(s) in the area (within 60 miles of the park)? Lodge, hotel, motel, cabin N=89 visitor groups** 71% 71% of visitor groups stayed in a lodge, hotel, motel or cabin (see Figure 26). 19% stayed in a campground or RV trailer park. 9% stayed with friends or relatives Other types of lodging (1%) included: In my truck Type of lodging Campground/ RV trailer park Residence of friends/relatives Backcountry camping Personal seasonal residence Other 3% 1% 1% 9% 19% Figure 26: Type of lodging in the area 29

38 Community support services Question 4a In what community did you obtain support services (e.g. information, gas, food, lodging) for this visit to Lava Beds NM? 89% of visitor groups did obtain services form local communities (see Figure 27). 60% of visitors obtained services in Klamath Falls, OR (see Figure 28). 19% obtained services in Tulelake CA Obtained support services? Yes No N=223 visitor groups 11% Figure 27: Visitors who used services in surrounding communities 89% 14% obtained services in Merrill, OR Other communities (18%) included: Klamath Falls, OR N=198 visitor groups** 60% Mount Shasta City, CA Adin, CA Burney, CA Fall River Mills, CA Central Point, OR McCloud, CA Medford, OR Ashland, OR Bend, OR Chiloquin, OR Crater Lake National Park, OR Dunsmire, CA Keno, OR Lookout Junction, CA Malin, OR Red Bluff, CA Susanville, CA White City, OR Worden, OR Community Tulelake, CA Merrill, OR Weed, CA Dorris, CA Alturas, CA Tionesta, CA Newell, CA Canby, CA Other 1% 4% 1% 8% 6% 6% 14% 19% 18% Figure 28: Communities where services were obtained 30

39 Question 4b Were you and your group able to obtain all of the services that you needed in these communities? 95% of visitor groups were able to obtain needed services from surrounding communities (see Figure 29). Able to obtain services? Yes No N=197 visitor groups 5% 95% Figure 29: Visitors who were able to obtain needed services in surrounding communities Question 4c If NO, what services did you and your group need that were not available? Table 13 shows visitor comments about services they were not able to obtain. Interpret with CAUTION. Not enough visitors responded to this question to provide reliable data. Table 13: Comments on services visitors were unable to obtain N=12 comments CAUTION! Service Food Lodging 24-hour convenience store 24-hour medical service Coffee Gas station open late at night Gas stations Information Pediatric allergy medicine Restaurants Comment Hard to find food Need fresher products Need more motels No comment No comment Free coffee No comment Travel information Travel information Couldn t find type needed Need more restaurants 31

40 Number of park entries Question 23c On this visit, how many times did you and your personal group enter Lava Beds NM during your stay in the area? 79% of visitor groups entered the park one time (see Figure 30). 17% entered twice. 4% entered three or more times. Number of entries 3 or more 2 1 N=214 visitor groups 4% 17% 79% Figure 30: Number of entries to the park Number of vehicles Question 23b On this visit, how many vehicles did you and your personal group use to enter the park? 91% of visitors used one vehicle to enter the park (see Figure 31). 7% used two vehicles. 2% used three or more vehicles. Number of vehicles 3 or more 2 1 N=212 visitor groups 2% 7% 91% Figure 31: Number of vehicles used to enter the park 32

41 Adequacy of directional signs Question 7a On this visit, were the signs directing you and your group to and inside Lava Beds NM adequate? 45% of visitor groups found interstate signs to be adequate (see Figure 32). 78% felt that state highway signs were adequate (see Figure 33). 50% indicated that city street signs were adequate (see Figure 34). 92% reported that signs within Lava Beds NM were adequate (see Figure 35). N=199 visitor groups N=208 visitor groups Yes 45% Yes 78% Signs adequate? No 10% Signs adequate? No 14% Did not use 45% Did not use 8% Figure 32: Adequacy of interstate signs Figure 33: Adequacy of state highway signs N=189 visitor groups N=205 visitor groups Yes 50% Yes 92% Signs adequate? No 12% SIgns adequate? No 5% Did not use 38% Did not use 3% Figure 34: Adequacy of city streets in communities Figure 35: Adequacy of signs in Lava Beds NM 33

42 Question 7b If you answered NO for any of the above, please explain. Table 14 shows visitor comments on directional signs. Sign location Interstates State highways Table 14: Comments on directional signs N=47 comments Comment Did not see any signs. (7 comments) Inadequate mile markers. Oregon border- Upper Klamath: not enough pointing us in the right direction from border. Signs too small, easy to miss. Forest Service highways and signs not adequate. Missed the turn south at Malone onto Hill Road. On 139 S, sign after RR should say "Visitor Center and LBNM Entrance. Visitor signage from Tulelake/139 could be better. Had to read the North California road map to access park. No mileage listed on 161. Add more signs on Rt 39 between Merrill and Tulelake. Only one sign off of Hwy 39 too small. No sign on Hwy 39 E. of Merrill at Malone Rd. (becomes Hill Rd.) Sign at Klamath Falls - didn't see sign pointing south. No signs on SR 89 North or NFS 15 or 45. U.S. Highway 97 From Hwy 140 it isn't clear which way to reach Hwy 97. No mileage listed. Northbound - no sign observed. City streets, unspecified City streets, Merrill, CA Didn't see any signs. (2 comments) Signs too small - easy to miss. Not adequate sign from 39 to park in Merrill. Stopped in Merrill, and was told of road that was shorter than the signed route. City streets, Redding, CA Signs from Redding could be improved. City streets, Tulelake, CA No signs in Tulelake City streets, Weed, CA No sign observed not in obvious locations. Tulelake NWR Indicate Lava Beds on the East/West highway turn-off from 139. Should have sign on Hill Rd. Sign says "Wildlife Refuge;" should also say "Lava Beds. Within Lava Beds NM Needed to be more specific. Not clearly marked inside forest (roads). Not marked "impassable" until you get to where it s impassable. On highways it was not clear where to turn. Google maps were not very helpful. Sign too close to entrance. The point of interest signs were too close to make decision to stop. 34

43 Activities Question 8a As you were planning your trip, what activities did you and your group expect to include on this visit? As shown in Figure 36, the most common activities visitor groups expected to include were: 80% Visiting caves 65% Viewing visitor center exhibits 63% Walking trails Activity Visiting caves Viewing visitor center exhibits Walking trails Viewing outdoor exhibits Visiting historic sites Painting/drawing/ taking photographs Nature study N=212 visitor groups** 28% 35% 42% 38% 65% 63% 80% Other activities (16%) included: Fishing Driving through Volcanism Biking Campfire program Get National Park stamp Nature viewing Relaxing Road trip Visit friends Visit Medicine Lake Picnicking Shopping in park bookstore Use trail guides Camping Attending ranger-led programs Other 7% 21% 16% 24% 22% 22% Figure 36: Activities in which visitors expected to participate 35

44 Question 8b On this visit, what activities did you and your group participate in within Lava Beds NM? Visiting caves N=175 visitor groups** 83% As shown in Figure 37, the most common activities visitor groups participated in were: 83% Visiting caves 73% Viewing visitor center exhibits 65% Walking trails Other activities (9%) included: Viewing volcanism Driving through Biking Attending campfire program Fishing Viewing lava tubes Viewing wildflowers Viewing wildlife outside park Visiting friends Activity Viewing visitor center exhibits Walking trails Viewing outdoor exhibits Visiting historic sites Painting/drawing/ taking photographs Shopping in park bookstore Nature study Picnicking Use trail guides Camping Attending ranger-led programs 8% 48% 44% 39% 31% 29% 25% 24% 23% 65% 73% Other 9% Figure 37: Visitor activities on this visit 36

45 Question 8c Which one of the above activities was the primary reason you and your group visited Lava Beds NM on this visit? As shown in Figure 38, the most common reasons for visiting Lava Beds NM were: N=194 visitor groups Visiting caves Visiting historic sites 8% Walking trails 7% Nature study 6% 59% 83% Visiting caves 73% Viewing visitor center exhibits 65% Walking trails Other primary reasons (11%) included: Fishing Driving through Viewing volcanism Biking Attending campfire program Getting National Park stamp Nature viewing Relaxing Taking road trip Visiting friends Visiting Medicine Lake Activity Viewing outdoor exhibits Camping Painting/drawing/ taking pictures Viewing visitor center exhibits Other 4% 3% 1% 1% 11% Figure 38: Primary reason for visit 37

46 Sites visited Question 10 For this trip, please list the order in which you and your group visited the following sites in Lava Beds NM. N=185 visitor groups Visitor center Wildlife overlooks 9% 41% As shown in Figure 39, the sites that most visitor groups visited first were: Captain Jack's Stronghold Petroglyph Point 7% 6% 41% Visitor center 9% Wildlife overlooks 7% Captain Jack s Stronghold Caves on Cave Loop Road Gillem's Camp 6% 6% Other sites visited first (8%) included: Devil's Homestead Black Crater Mushpot Cave Symbol Bridge Painted Cave Boulevard/Balcony Caves Campground Canby's Cross Lava Flow Overlook Three Sisters Trail Benchgrass Trail Sites Skull Cave Fleener Chimneys Hospital Rock Valentine Cave Schonchin Butte Mammoth Crater Merrill Ice Cave Other 4% 4% 3% 2% 2% 1% 1% 8% Figure 39: Sites visited first

47 As shown in Figure 40, the most visited sites were: Visitor center N=185 visitor groups** 83% 83% Visitor center 70% Caves on Cave Loop Road 38% Captain Jack s Stronghold Caves on Cave Loop Road Captain Jack's Stronghold 38% 70% Other sites visited (22%) included: Skull Cave 37% Devil's Homestead Black Crater Mushpot Cave Symbol Bridge Painted Cave Boulevard/Balcony Caves Campground Canby's Cross Lava Flow Overlook Three Sisters Trail Benchgrass Trail Sites Petroglyph Point Fleener Chimneys Wildlife overlooks Valentine Cave Merrill Ice Cave Gillem's Camp Schonchin Butte 31% 27% 24% 21% 17% 16% 15% Mammoth Crater 11% Hospital Rock 8% Other 22% Figure 40: Sites visited in the park 39

48 Reasons for visiting the visitor center Question 11 On this visit, what were the reasons that you and your group visited the Lava Beds NM visitor center? 90% of visitor groups visited the visitor center (see Figure 41). As shown in Figure 42, the most common reasons for visiting the visitor center were: Visit visitor center? Yes No N=221 visitor groups 10% % Figure 41: Visitors who visited the visitor center 87% Obtain information 65% View exhibits Other reasons (31%) included: Obtain information N=198 visitor groups** 87% Get flashlights/hats Use restrooms Pay park fee Food and water Picnicking Get directions Get park passport stamp Area mileage chart Camping Curiosity Destination for cycling Get to Medicine Lake Just to see it Modoc National Forest map Talk to rangers Watch movie Reasons View exhibits Purchase items in VC bookstore Other 37% 31% 65% Figure 42: Reasons for visiting the visitor center 40

49 Attendance of ranger-led activities/programs Question 12a On this visit, did you and your group attend any ranger-led activities/programs at Lava Beds NM? 92% of visitor groups did not attend ranger-led activities, and 8% did attend (see Figure 43). Attend rangerled programs? Yes No N=222 visitor groups 8% 92% Figure 43: Visitors who attended ranger-led activities/programs Question 12b If YES, which activities/programs did you and your group attend? Visitor groups attended the following activities/programs: Valentine Cave tour Campfire program Cave tour Bat talk Evening program Golden Dome Cave tour Guided tour Ranger talk Question 12c If NO, why not? As shown in Figure 44, the most common reasons for not attending ranger-led programs/activities were: 64% Lack of time 13% Programs not scheduled often enough 12% Not interested in activities/ programs Reason Lack of time Programs not scheduled often enough Not interested in activities/programs Weather Other N=204 visitor groups** 2% 13% 12% 22% 64% Other reasons (22%) included: Unaware of activities/programs Preferred being independent Just driving through the park Small kids/pets Disabilities Interested in hiking Lack of rangers Regular visitor Pre-existing knowledge With a school group Sickness Figure 44: Reasons visitors did not attend ranger-led activities/program 41

50 Question 12d What would encourage you to attend a ranger-led activity/program in the future? 32% of visitor groups would attend a program if they were scheduled more often (see Figure 45). 9% would attend if there were greater variety of program topics. Other reasons (33%) included: Reason Programs scheduled more often Greater variety of program topics Greater variety of activities Other N=183 visitor groups** 5% 9% 32% 33% More time Availability of information Better timing allowed Better planning Accessibility Fern Cave Tour Weather Wildlife More advertising Better guides Smaller group Wildlife photography Figure 45: Reasons to attend ranger-led activities in the future 42

51 Topics learned Question 13a During your visit to Lava Beds NM, did you and your group learn about the following topics? 86% of visitor groups learned about caves and cave life (see Figure 46). 83% learned about vulcanism. 72% learned about the Modoc War. Topic Caves and cave life Vulcanism The Modoc War Native plants and animals Rock art and Modoc culture N=189 visitor groups** 54% 48% 72% 86% 83% Other topics (2%) included: Wilderness 39% J/A Internment camp More details on Modoc War Tulelake Internment Other 2% Figure 46: Topics learned on this visit Question 13b Next, whether or not you checked YES or NO for this visit, please indicate all topics that you are interested in learning about on a future visit to Lava Beds NM. Native plants and animals Caves and cave life N=130 visitor groups** 72% 65% 72% of visitor groups would like to learn about native plants and animals (see Figure 47). Topic Rock art and Modoc culture Vulcanism 62% 62% 65% were interested in learning about caves and cave life 62% indicated rock art and Modoc culture. Wilderness The Modoc War Other 8% 58% 54% Other topics (8%) included: CCC/POW camp Controlled fires Everything available Regional geology Snakes Yellow color on lower Klamath Lake Figure 47: Topics to learn about on future visit 43